Since automobiles became widespread during the beginning of the 20th century, cities and their streets have been and are being re-purposed to adapt to the surge of motor vehicle use.

Efforts are now underway to re-define the purpose of streets and to re-design streets over time in a way that will benefit all users.

This movement has various names “Livable Streets”, “Context Sensitive Streets” and “Complete Streets”. Despite the diverse nomenclature, all these efforts focus on creating streets that are multi-purpose in nature. Such streets are not only tasked to accommodate private motor vehicles, but also pedestrians, cyclist, public transport, “active living”, businesses and environmental concerns.

They are multimodal transport links as well as places for social life.

Complete Streets are with many real life examples safer, quieter, produce less smog, soot, burn less fuel and have less auto congestion.

If you are interested in learning about the Complete Streets movement here are two events: Complete Streets Task Force meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 4 p.m., Community Center, 380 Third St.; Transition Laguna Beach Mobility Group will meet on Monday, April 18, 6:30 p.m., at 415 Loma Terrace. For info call 494.5960.